“I never planned to do this during my retirement years, but I feel compelled,” Schierl, a retiree since 2015, said in a statement. “Someone needs to be there for the people, and I don't feel the current administration is working on behalf of everyday citizens.”

Schierl is a member of Wisconsin United to Amend, a movement to drive big money out of politics. He helped with the 2014 petition drives that led to advisory referendums in Neenah and Menasha calling for a constitutional amendment to regulate political contributions and spending.

"I know firsthand how frustrated people locally and everywhere are due to the corruption that comes with the special interest money that floods our election system," Schierl said.

"The Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision in 2010 has turned our elections into auctions. We the people are not being represented because our legislators are not listening to us. They’re only listening to their big donors and their party bosses."

The 55th Assembly District includes Neenah, Clayton, Greenville, Grand Chute and Fox Crossing.